Moses McLean

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the patriarch of the McLean family transitioned into the arms of the Lord. After 92 years of a life that made a difference to the many he encountered, Moses McLean is resting in his eternal home.
Moses, the ninth child of twelve, was born on April 16, 1927, to Reverend Rufus Ford McLean and Estella McNair McLean in Roberson County, North Carolina. Moses was not given a middle name because he was not expected to live past infancy. God had a different plan, however, and Gods grace redefined expectations as years passed. Moses was educated in the public schools of North Carolina and graduated from Rosenwald School in Fairmont, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, he continued his education at Fayetteville State College. His tenure there was interrupted by a brief call to duty in the United States Army. Following his term of service, Moses continued his pursuit of higher education at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a member of the graduating class of 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics.
With parents as an example of faithfulness and perseverance, Moses knew their expectations were for him to achieve greater things in life for himself and others. Upon graduation from Fisk University, he accepted a job with the Tennessee Valley Authority as a chemist. This position required him to relocate to Sheffield, Alabama where he eventually established permanent residence in the Muscle Shoals area. In 1998, after serving 36 years as a TVA employee, he retired from Colbert Steam Plant.
As a young man, Moses was known as a kind and friendly person. His life experiences made him good company. He would often say at that time, "I came here single and will leave here single." However, his tune quickly changed after friends introduced him to a lady by the name of Inez Marian Jones. With Inez working out of town, the two began a long-distance romance by mail. The distance shortened when Inez gained employment and returned to Sheffield, Alabama. Moses soon realized he had met the love of his life. The couple was married on September 6, 1953. To this union two daughters were born, Janice and Andrea.
Moses defined himself as the ultimate provider for his family. Along with his profession as a chemist, he held a part-time job as a custodian, cleaning the Teamsters building. Moses endless pursuit to be an example for his family led him to become the first black individual to own, and successfully run a local service stationEconomy Service Station.
Living by biblical principles, Moses had a giving heart and was committed to helping others. His family could depend on him to support them physically, spiritually and financially. To Moses, there was no such thing as in-laws; family was family. He made frequent trips to visit his family in North Carolina, keeping a connection with his childhood home. He never traveled alone, but was accompanied by children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Moses life defined him as a helper, giver, teacher and friend. He was a faithful and active member of Brown Temple CME Church for 53 years. There he gave his time and talent serving as a Steward, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and Superintendent of Sunday School. Over the years, in an effort to help others, he purchased and renovated ten properties, which he made available for low-income families. His heart for children led him to assist in the creation of the Coalition on At Risk Minority Males (COARMM). Under this umbrella, he dedicated his time and his talents by tutoring at risk children in the area, writing grants, and assisting with various fundraisers for the organization.
Moses was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Rufus Ford McLean and Estella McNair McLean; sisters, Esther Middleton, Sadie Jones, Mary Henry, Anne Thompson Seay, Lillian Jones, Ruth Elizabeth Matthews, Geneva Gillis and Doris Burke; brothers, Otis McLean, Rufus C. (Jack) McLean and Ceasar Biddell McLean.
Moseshusband, father, friend and church and community leaderleaves precious memories to be shared by his wife of 66 years, Inez Jones McLean; daughters, Janice (Rev. Samuel, Sr.) Granger and Andrea Thompson; granddaughter, Jessica (Antoine) Bailey; grandsons, Samuel, Jr. (Chrishana) Granger, Stephen Granger, Dillon Thompson and Chase Thompson; great-granddaughters, Savannah Granger and Brooke Bailey; great-grandsons, Samuel, III "Tre" Granger, Jayce Bailey and Logan Bailey; brother-in-law, Odell (Mozella) Jones, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Taylor, Roberta McLean and Rosa Nell Smith; a loving pastor, Reverend James Coffey; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends of all ages, genders and walks of life.
Children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6

. Public Viewing Hours Thompson & Son Funeral Home
Saturday, March 21, 2020
9:00 AM
Email Details 400 S. Washington St.Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674 Directions Funeral Service Brown Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Sunday, March 22, 2020
12:00 AM
Email Details 910 Southeast 18th StreetSheffield, AL 35660

The body will be placed in the church at 11:00am. Directions Disposition Oakwood Cemetery
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Email Details Tuscumbia, AL Directions

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